Academy trust to take over failing Louth school

A Louth comprehensive school and sixth form placed in special measures last year has been taken over by an academy trust.

The Tollbar Multi Academy Trust will lead the Monks Dyke’ Tennyson College as it converts to an academy from September.

The trust has said that it is committed to making rapid improvements and creating a first-class learning environment, pointing to how it improved the fortunes of Cleethorpes and Somercotes Academies, which had both been in special measures.

Cordeaux Academy in the town will also transfer from the Academies Enterprise Trust (AET) to Tollbar MAT from September, as a result of a request from the Regional Schools Commissioner.

David Hampson, Tollbar Multi Academy Trust chief executive, said: “We have proven with Cleethorpes and Somercotes academies that we can deliver an exceptional education, and we intend to do the same at Monks’ Dyke.

“Our aim is to create a successful academy that the students and local people in the Louth community can benefit from and be proud of.”

Philip Bond, chair of Tollbar Multi Academy Trust, added: “It is a pleasure for us to be invited to support Monks’ Dyke Tennyson College, and to have the opportunity ensure quality education for the students of Louth.

“We look forward to building on the good practice in all our academies to make the improvements necessary at Monks’ Dyke.”

Councillor Patricia Bradwell, responsible for children’s services at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “From September, we’re delighted that Tollbar has agreed to take responsibility for leading Monks’ Dyke and driving the school forward. This will secure leadership for the school.

“The local authority has positive previous experience of working with Tollbar to support other schools in the area – they have made great strides at the likes of Somercotes Academy for example.”

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